CFI renewal needed?

MikeD

MikeD

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Staff member
As I research my options for what the hell I'm going to do after my F-117 assignment, which may get cut short, I find that I'm nearing the end of my USAF pilot committment incurred from pilot training. One of my options is potentialy starting a career at a government contract company located at Willie-Gateway. My question is, would I need to renew my CFI for the type of flight training they're doing? Or is it waiverd since they're under government contract? Reason I ask is that the type of flight training they're doing isn't going towards ANY FAA rating whatsoever (foreign pilot training, and US government contractor services training the US military), and the training being given obviously isn't for any 14 CFR 61/141/142 purpose. So for the current CFIs out there, doesn anyone think I'd need to renew my CFI/I?

http://www.atsifightertraining.com/
 
I am clueless about how military flight training works but I would assume there is some kind of rating or certificate that military pilots gain in order to instruct, maybe that is what is needed.

I'm no CFI, but I geuss the first thing that popped into my head was that fact that, although it is military contracted, it looks like the company is still owned and operated under under a civilian entity. Which would lead me to believe that a CFI/I would be neccesesary to instruct. I'm probably completely wrong but just my 3 cents.

By the way that looks like a sweet gig!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
ATSI's highly experienced tactical instructor pilots provide extensive expertise in training regimens ranging from basic jet flight training to Advanced Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun).

[/ QUOTE ]

Judging from the quote I found from the website, I'm going to say yes, you will need your CFI. You will be conducting flight training, and I'm assuming these pilots are working towards some sort of rating or license. Even if this one particular place has some sort of waiver for training, renewing your CFI/I will open more doors of opportunity in the future.
 
I doubt it. Anyone can give "flight training" but the only training that may count – and is loggable as "flight training" towards certificates found in Part 61 – is instruction that is given by instructors who are themesleve, in fact, certified under part 61. Since this is "military manuevering and tactic" type training it doesn't fall under Part 61. So, outside of those rules I don't think you'd need it. Take for example ATPs. ATPs may instruct (as part of a company training program) in any aircraft their comapny may fly without a CFI certificate but they can't walk into an FBO and teach folks how to fly a 172 without holding a current CFI certificate. Also, look at places like "Fighter Combat International" also a t Gateway ... most of their "instructors" are ex-military guys but only a few actually hold a CFI certificate.

I don't think it would hurt to renew it but I think the easiest way to find out is just send the Chief Pilot over at ATSI a quick e-mail and just ask.
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Maybe you should call the Scottsdale FSDO and ask?? They seem to know it all over there anyway!
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Mike,

Unless you're training GA pilots in GA aircraft under FAR 61 or 141 for the sole purpose of obtaining additional ratings, I doubt a current CFI ticket is required.

While my CFI hasn't expired, it was not required to instruct at my airline, or any airline that I know of, either in the sim or the aircraft. All that's required was a type rating. I suspect teaching others in military aircraft is much the same way. You would be like a military IP and designated as such by the local governing agency through a "letter of authorization" whether it's the FAA or wing commander.
 
ATSI's biggest contract right now is to train fighter pilots from the UAE. They fly out in formations of three pretty much every day, often with the instructor in lead and the two students following. They fly exsclusively A-4s (the same ones used to film The Sum of All Fears as a matter of fact). Seems like a very fun job with a lot of good flight time, but be ready to double as an english teacher!

...and about the CFI, I haven't a clue!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Mike,

Unless you're training GA pilots in GA aircraft under FAR 61 or 141 for the sole purpose of obtaining additional ratings, I doubt a current CFI ticket is required.

While my CFI hasn't expired, it was not required to instruct at my airline, or any airline that I know of, either in the sim or the aircraft. All that's required was a type rating. I suspect teaching others in military aircraft is much the same way. You would be like a military IP and designated as such by the local governing agency through a "letter of authorization" whether it's the FAA or wing commander.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's sort of what I was figuring. These UAE studs aren't going for any FAA rating or certificate, and aren't receiving any training for the same. So I figured it'd be an LOA thing as a quasi-military IP.
 
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